Crystal Coast Vibes
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Crystal Coast Vibes March 20-26

Crystal Coast Vibes March 20-26

What's Happening on the Crystal Coast!

March 19, 2026

March 20-26, 2026

Hello friends and neighbors!

This weekend is the official start of Spring! It’s a great feeling to put the snow (!) and chilly nights behind us.

There is so much to see and do. Maybe invite a friend!

In this issue, you will find Crystal Coast Events, the Spotlight, Local Buzz, Entertainment, and the Parting Shot.

Have fun!

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Friday, March 20

Little Mermaid JR.
Carteret Community Theater, Morehead City
A whimsical musical adventure based on the beloved Disney classic. Follow Ariel, a curious young mermaid who dreams of exploring the world above the waves. Based on the beloved Disney classic. All ages.
7 pm | $15.00 (plus tax and fees)
Annual Whales and Whaling Symposium
NC Maritime Museum, Beaufort
The history, biology, conservation, and pedagogy of whales and whaling specific to North Carolina will be covered during the North Carolina Maritime Museum’s annual Whales and Whaling Symposium.
10 am-6 pm | Free, pre-register at the website or call 252-504-775
Boho Night Market
The Periwinkle, Beaufort
Shop for handmade articles and more.
5-8 pm
Eric Carle Collage Day
Western Carteret Library, Cape Careret
Inspired by the beloved illustrations of The Very Hungry Caterpillar and other classic Eric Carle books, children will have the opportunity to create their own vibrant collage masterpieces using colorful paper, glue, and creativity. All kids welcome.
Drop in from 3:30-5 pm
World Frog Day
NC Aquarium, Pine Knoll Shores
Special World Frog Day graphics showcasing how you can help frogs, toads, and amphibians, a scavenger hunt featuring frog eggs hidden in the Mountain Gallery, themed animal encounters and messaging.
9 am-5 pm | Free with regular admission
Elysian Players’ St. Patricks Concert
Elysian Performing Arts Center, Morehead City.
Hear the Irish Rovers and have a bit of craic and sing along to traditional irish melodies all night long!
7:00 pm | $27.50
Comedy Night
Promise Land Market, Morehead City
A night of laughs with two comedy contest Winners!! Justin Scranton, North Carolina's funniest & Matt Coghlan Port City's Top Comic.
7 pm | $20.19
BeetleJuice Jr.
New Bern Civic Theater, New Bern
With a young cast, ready to entertain you with this weird, wild, and hilarious musical based on the movie Beetlejuice.
7:30 pm | $15-$19

Saturday, March 21

Swansboro Oyster Roast at Swansboro Rotary Club, Swansboro.
March 21
Outlander in the Palace Tour
Tryon Palace, New Bern
Join historic interpreters and learn the facts versus fiction of Diana Gabaldon’s award-winning Outlander series. 
3:45 - 5:30 pm | Adults $21.35, Youth $10.68
Little Mermaid JR.
Carteret Community Theater, Morehead City
A whimsical musical adventure based on the beloved Disney classic. Follow Ariel, a curious young mermaid who dreams of exploring the world above the waves. Based on the beloved Disney classic. All ages.
2 pm | $15.00 (plus tax and fees)
Kids Carving
Core Sound Waterfront Museum, Harker’s Island
Youngsters from ages 7 to 15 gather to learn how to carve and paint ducks and shorebirds.
10 am-Noon | Free, but please pre-register
Quilt Collection Exhibit
History Museum of Carteret County, Morehead City
Celebrate National Quilt Month with a display of Carteret County Quilts from the museum’s collection, with select pieces dating to the mid 1800s.
10 am-4 pm
BeetleJuice Jr.
New Bern Civic Theater, New Bern
With a young cast, ready to entertain you with this weird, wild, and hilarious musical based on the movie Beetlejuice.
7:30 pm | $15-$19

Sunday, March 22

Little Mermaid JR.
Carteret Community Theater, Morehead City
A whimsical musical adventure based on the beloved Disney classic. Follow Ariel, a curious young mermaid who dreams of exploring the world above the waves. Based on the beloved Disney classic. All ages.
2 pm | $15.00 (plus tax and fees)
Quilt Collection Exhibit
History Museum of Carteret County, Morehead City
Celebrate National Quilt Month with a display of Carteret County Quilts from the museum’s collection, with select pieces dating to the mid 1800s.
10 am-4 pm
Kite Sunday
Fort Benjamin Recreation Center, Newport
Kite flying, picnicing, and fellowship. Sponsored by Life Point Church.
12:30 pm | Free
March Madness Cocktail Luncheon
Island Grille, Atlantic Beach
Get ready for a delicious showdown at Island Grille’s March Madness Cocktail Luncheon! They’re creating our own bracket — Island Grille style — and you get to help decide the champions! Ages 21+
11:30 am-12:30 pm | $56.69
Sensational Snakes
Hammocks Beach State Park, Swansboro
Learn about some of these slithery creatures that roam North Carolina and what important role they play in certain ecosystems.
2-3 pm | Free

Monday, March 23

Fishing with a Ranger
Hammocks Beach State Park, Swansboro
Join a ranger-led fishing experience and learn tips and techniques while enjoying the outdoors. Participants must bring their own bait.
3-4 pm | Free but limited space. Registration required.
Quilt Collection Exhibit
History Museum of Carteret County, Morehead City
Celebrate National Quilt Month with a display of Carteret County Quilts from the museum’s collection, with select pieces dating to the mid 1800s.
10 am-4 pm

Tuesday, March 24

Quilt Collection Exhibit
History Museum of Carteret County, Morehead City
Celebrate National Quilt Month with a display of Carteret County Quilts from the museum’s collection, with select pieces dating to the mid 1800s.
10 am-4 pm

Wednesday, March 25

Hiking and History on Shackleford Banks
North Carolina Maritime Museum, Beaufort
Experience Outer Banks history and wildlife with a guided hike on Shackleford Banks, part of the Cape Lookout National Seashore.
9:30 am - 1 pm | $31.50-$35.00
Puzzle Night and Competition
Carolina Home and Garden, Newport
Teams of up to 4 people race to see who can complete a 500 piece puzzle the fastest. Prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places!
6:30-8:30 pm | Seat reservation $8.20, Small Charcuterie Box $15.38, Large Charcuterie Box $25.63
Quilt Collection Exhibit
History Museum of Carteret County, Morehead City
Celebrate National Quilt Month with a display of Carteret County Quilts from the museum’s collection, with select pieces dating to the mid 1800s.
10 am-4 pm
Aqua Trivia Night
Tight Lines Pub and Brewing, Morehead City
Compete for prizes, have some fun, and show off your smarts! Bring your friends and your brain power for an unforgettable night of trivia.
6 pm

Thursday, March 26

Crystal Coast Flutes Live at Music in the Stacks Concert Series
Bogue Banks Public Library, Pine Knoll Shores
Free live concerts, held inside the library. Featuring Crystal Coast Flutes “Waves of Sound”.
5:15-6:30 | Free
Can You Knot? A Knot Tying Workshop
NC Maritime Museum, Beaufort
This hands-on course will review the history of knot tying in the maritime industry, followed by an opportunity for participants to practice their knot-tying skills. Ages 12+
2-4 pm | $18-$20, pre-registratrion required
Flower Pressing class with Two Bees Farm
Carolina Home and Garden, Newport
Participants will assemble their own flower press, press their own fresh flowers to use for future projects, and use dried flowers to create their own unique 8 x 10 framed design.
6-8 pm | $85
Quilt Collection Exhibit
History Museum of Carteret County, Morehead City
Celebrate National Quilt Month with a display of Carteret County Quilts from the museum’s collection, with select pieces dating to the mid 1800s.
10 am-4 pm

Future Events

Annual Easter Egg Hunt at Beaufort Historic Site, Beaufort.
April 4
OWLS Fort Macon 5k Trail Run at Fort Macon State Park, Atlantic Beach.
April 11
Beaufort Wine and Food Spring Fest, throughout Beaufort.
April 15-18
50th Annual Wooden Boat Show at the North Carolina Maritime Museum, Beaufort.
May 2
Atlantic Beach Beach Music Festival at Atlantic Beach Circle.
May 16

Recurring Events

Upcycle at Art Council of Carteret County, Morehead City | Daily 11am-5 pm, March 7-April 25
Beach Yoga Every Day - Western Beach Access, Emerald Isle | Daily 8 am | Donation
Championship Trivia at Snapperz Grill, Morehead City | Mondays |
6:30 pm
Roosevelt Natural Area Paddle Trip - NC Aquarium, Pine Knoll Shores.
Explore tidal flats and quiet backwaters with an aquarium educator as you learn about the intricate web of life thriving in this pristine natural environment. Mondays and Wednesdays 9-11 am | $
Music Bingo at The Dock House, Beaufort | Tuesdays | 6:30-8:30 pm
Taproom Trivia at Nacho Brewery | Morehead City | Tuesdays | 7-9 pm
Trivia Tuesday - The Emerald Club, Emerald Isle | Tuesdays 7:30-9:15 pm
Small Arms Demo at Fort Macon State Park- Fort Macon, Atlantic Beach | Wednesdays 10:30-11 am | Free | Small Arms history and demonstrations.
It's All Write - Western Carteret Library, Cape Carteret | 1st and 3rd Wednesdays 4-5:30 pm | 18+ | Writer’s Group Workshop.
Chess Club - Nacho Brewery, Morehead City | Wednesdays 6 pm
Booze Farm Bingo - Bogue Sound Distillery, Bogue | Wednesdays
6-10 pm | 21+ only
Smoke on the Water - 34° North Restaurant, Beaufort | Wednesdays | 7 pm | A celebration of slow-cooked Southern comfort.
Poker Night - Gaffer's Catering & Event Center, Cape Carteret | 21+ | Thursdays 6 & 8 pm
Musical Bingo - The Trading Post, Emerald Isle | Wednesdays 7-9 pm
Cru Collabs: Open Jam for Musicians and Djs at Cru Bar, Beaufort | Thursdays | 7-11 pm
Boot & Brews Line Dancing - Dancing Baristas Cafe, Beaufort | Thursdays
Thursday Night Flights - MF Chappell Wine Merchant, Atlantic Beach | Thursdays 5-6:30 pm | $ | Wine Tasting.
Weekly Trivia - Church Street Market & Pub, Swansboro | Thursdays |
6:30 pm
Almost Live Concert Karaoke - Bogue Sound Distillery, Bogue | Thursdays | 7-11 pm
Karaoke Bingo - Mug Shot Lounge, Morehead City | Thursdays | 8-11 pm
Friday Night Flights - 34° North Restaurant, Beaufort | Fridays | 5-10 pm | $ | Whisky flights
Bingo Beats Saturdays - Billfish Coastal Grill & Bar, Indian Beach. Music Bingo! | Saturdays | 7-9 pm
Karaoke Night - Tackle Box Tavern, Atlantic Beach | Saturdays 9:30 pm -
2 am
Lil Story Time - The Periwinkle, Beaufort | Saturdays 10:30 am - 1:30 pm | Free
Olde Beaufort Farmers Market - Beaufort. | Saturdays 9 am - 1 pm
Saturday Farmer’s Market - The Market at Cedar Point | Saturdays
10 am-2 pm
Blind Draw Darts Tournament Series - Rock The Dock Dueling Piano Bar. Morehead City. | 2:30-3:30 pm Sundays through May 3 | $10

Tryon Palace

Every week we present things to see and do in New Bern. One location we frequently include is Tryon Palace. But do you really know about Tryon Palace? Right in the heart of downtown, it is one of the most impressive historic sites in all of North Carolina.

Tryon Palace was North Carolina's first permanent colonial capitol. The elegant Georgian-style building was originally built in 1770 by Royal Governor William Tryon, who contracted architect John Hawks to design and oversee construction. It was the grandest public building of its era in the colonies — the place where colonial governors ruled, legislators debated, and American independence eventually took root. The Palace burned to the ground in 1798, but the building there today was reconstructed using the original blueprints, built right on its original foundation.

Getting there is easy. Tickets are available at the main entrance to the North Carolina History Center at 529 South Front Street. Plan to spend at least a half day — there's plenty to see. The site includes seven major buildings, multiple galleries, and 16 acres of gardens. Costumed guides, working craftspeople, and engaging character interpreters bring American history to life throughout the grounds. The North Carolina History Center, opened in 2010, houses a regional history museum, performance hall, and the Pepsi Family Center — a favorite with families — where you can time travel back to a river town in 1835.

Special events are also very popular. The beloved Candlelight event, held each second and third Saturday of December, transforms the Palace into a magical scene of costumed interpreters, candlelit grounds, circus acts, and even sword swallowing. The Tryon Palace Fife & Drum Corps performs at celebrations throughout the year, including the Glorious Fourth and MumFest.

New Bern is a charming day trip on its own — and Tryon Palace makes it a destination worth planning around. Check out the full calendar at tryonpalace.org.

Morehead City Middle School Band Headed to Atlanta!

The Morehead City Middle School Honors Band has earned a spot at one of the most prestigious band festivals in the country.

The ensemble was selected as one of the top eight middle school bands in the entire Southeastern United States to perform at the Music for All Southeastern Regional Concert Band Festival in Atlanta, Georgia, on March 25.

The students will take the stage at the Rialto Center for the Arts — a renowned Atlanta venue that regularly hosts nationally recognized musical talent. For these young musicians, it's a chance to perform at a truly professional level while representing not just their school, but all of Carteret County.

Getting this invitation took serious dedication from the students, strong leadership from their band directors, and solid community support for music education.

New Online Dashboard for Perscribed Burns

In an effort to restore and maintain wildlife habitat, the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission conducts prescribed burns across tens of thousands of acres of state game lands each year. This can create inconvenience and confusion.

To find out whether smoke you’re seeing on state game lands is from a prescribed burn, check out the commission’s prescribed burns dashboard mapping system.